HIDDEN WONDERS OF CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN. A voyage from Costa Rica to Barbados under sail Aboard Sea Cloud II. 3 rd to 19 th February 2016

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1 HIDDEN WONDERS OF CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN A voyage from Costa Rica to Barbados under sail Aboard Sea Cloud II 3 rd to 19 th February 2016

2 Flamingo, Bonaire Cartagena This unique voyage from the shores of Costa Rica to the West Indies is the perfect opportunity to escape the British winter to destinations with teeming rainforests, cool cloud forests, beautiful beaches, remarkably diverse landscapes, pristine coral reefs, magnificently diverse wildlife and fascinating cultures. Such an itinerary and diversity would be difficult to comprehend or undertake by any other means than a cruise. Skip the arduous, lengthy land travel which such a trip would usually entail and relax onboard as we deliver you to a new and exciting destination each day. Puerto Limon San Jose COSTA RICA San Blas Islands Portobelo Bocas del Toro PANAMA Santa Marta Cartagena COLOMBIA VENEZUELA St Lucia Bequia Tobago Cays & Union Island Bonaire Isla Margarita Barbados Grenada Isla Margarita THE ITINERARY Day 1 London to San Jose, Costa Rica. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Upon arrival transfer to the Real Intercontinental hotel or similar for an overnight stay. Day 2 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. After breakfast depart on a morning tour of San Jose before transferring to Puerto Limon to embark Sea Cloud II in the late afternoon. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner onboard this evening. Day 3 Bocas del Toro, Panama. Arrive this morning in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in north-western Panama which comprises of six large and numerous tiny islands. On our tour we will visit the Ngobe community, the largest indigenous group in the archipelago, spend some time sloth and dolphin watching and enjoy a nature walk on Isla Solarte before returning to the vessel. Day 4 Portobelo, Panama. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, this afternoon we will call into the delightful town of Portobelo. Our tour will give us an insight into the rich history of the area once known as the Paradise for Pirates. Visit Fort San Geronimo, Fort San Felipe, Customs House

3 Yellow shouldered parrot, Bonaire Dolphin Bay, Bocas del Toro Bocas del Toro Tobago coral and the Black Christ Church (the patron Saint of Portobelo) before making our way to the Gatun Locks. These are the largest locks on the Panama Canal and give a wonderful insight into the workings of this incredible feat of engineering. Day 5 San Blas Islands, Panama. This morning we call into the stunning San Blas Archipelago made up of over 400 islands which line the north coast of Panama with dazzling white beaches. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna Indians who gained self-rule from the government of Panama in the 1920s and maintain their traditional way of life including the production of colourful fabric art known as molas. Day 6 Cartagena, Colombia. After a relaxing morning at sea, we will visit Cartagena. This historic town is beautifully preserved and in the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of this colonial walled city, virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches. Day 7 Santa Marta, Colombia. The Santa Marta area is renowned for the eco-diversity and dramatic beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, that sweep down to the sea. This morning, from our berth we will travel slightly inland to the Tayrona National Park. Covered in large part by virgin tropical forest, the park is home to over 100 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. On a walk through this semi-tropical jungle we will be joined by a local guide who will offer insights into the park s vegetation, animals and eco-system. Day 8 At sea. Relax onboard and experience the joy of travelling under sail. Day 9 Bonaire, Dutch Antilles. Arrive this afternoon on the San Blas Islands beautiful island of Bonaire. We will offer a choice of trips including the Washington Slagbaai National Park, created to protect some of the Caribbean s last remaining desert habitat. The island s bird life is remarkable including flocks of native parrots and in one of the lagoons a resident flock of flamingos. Alternatively join a scenic tour of Bonaire including Lake Goto and time at Mangazina di Rei cultural park which showcases indigenous culture. Day 10 At sea. Spend a day at sea travelling through the breathtaking Archipelago of Los Roques. Day 11 Isla Margarita, Venezula. This afternoon we will visit the La Restinga National Park. Created in 1974 the park boasts three main ecosystems that support a variety of creatures. We will visit the area on local boats before making our way to the Museo Marino which reveals the amazing biodiversity of Venezuela s marine life and gives an overview of the importance of the sea in the island s development. Day 12 Grenada, Lesser Antilles. Spend the morning at sea and this afternoon moor in the picturesque capital of St George s and explore this wonderful windward Island which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean. Day 13 Tobago Cays & Union Island, Grenadines. Right in the south of the Grenadines are Union Island and the Tobago Cays. Four small uninhabited islands, surrounded by a protective horseshoe-shaped coral reef, form the Tobago Cays which has been designated a National Marine Park. Union Island is nicknamed the Tahiti of the West Indies due to its volcanic silhouette. This morning enjoy a catamaran tour of the Tobago Cays which will include time for snorkelling and swimming and then before lunch our Zodiacs will take us ashore to the beautiful and deserted beach at Chatham Bay for a beach BBQ. Day 14 Bequia, Grenadines. This delightful Grenadine island is totally unspoilt, a place of pure escapism in a charming old world atmosphere. This morning tender ashore and visit the Hegg Turtle Sanctuary followed by time to relax on one of the stunning beaches or for some swimming or snorkelling.

4 St Lucia PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION Treetop walkway MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST 21 st to 24 th January 2016 For those wishing to see more of Costa Rica before embarking Sea Cloud II we are offering an extension to the Monteverde National Park. In the mid 60 s, a Quaker community moved to the Monteverde area where they found a cloud forest paradise which they decided to protect. The area was covered with tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines and mosses as well as numerous crystal clear streams and waterfalls. Variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped to produce an extremely high biodiversity. The four life zones found in Monteverde are home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 500 species of butterflies, 120 reptile and amphibian species, 2500 plant species (among them 420 different types of orchids and 200 fern species), 500 species of trees and thousands of insects. Day 15 St Lucia. Morning visit to St Lucia, a splendidly rugged island of towering Mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. Because of its strategic position, it was fought over repeatedly by the French and British and changed hands fourteen times. We shall anchor off the island insight of its best known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy from the sea to more than 2400 feet. Tender ashore and explore the island independently or on a guided tour including the volcano. Day 16 Barbados to London. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London. Day 17 London. Morning arrival. SPECIAL OFFER SAVE 500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Cat Cabin Description Deck Brochure Price Special Offer E Deluxe double Cabin 7495 D Deluxe double Cabin 8495 C Deluxe double Promenade B Junior Suite Promenade A Luxury Owner s Suite Lido F Stateroom for sole use Cabin 7495 E Deluxe double for sole use Cabin 8495 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in San Jose, 14 nights aboard Sea Cloud II on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Tour leader, guest speaker, shore excursions, gratuities to crew and on excursions, transfers and port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, visas. Ship to Shore: Please note for this itinerary Zodiacs, tenders or local boats will be used to transport passengers ashore in Bocas del Toro, Portobelo, San Blas Islands, Isla Margartia, Tobago Cays, Union Island, Bequia and St Lucia. NB. Ports subject to change and weather conditions. All special offers are subject to availability. THE ITINERARY Day 1 London to San Jose. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the Real Intercontinental Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay. Day 2 San Jose to Monteverde. After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Monteverde. On the way we will stop at the Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary at El Manantial, a wildlife conservation charity working to save and protect endangered species from extinction. We will enjoy a local lunch and continue to the El Establo Hotel (or similar) for our two night stay. Day 3 Monteverde. Today we will experience the hanging bridges which span the canyons below, and bring us face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy. There are five bridges in total, the longest of which spans 984 feet. The trails extend for slightly over a mile and a half, and we will be accompanied by local guides who will impart their knowledge about the native plant and animal species. Many plants in Monteverde s cloud forests are specially adapted to absorb moisture directly from the everpresent mist. Epiphytes (plants that live on trees in order to reach the sunlight) are plentiful in these forests, adding to the watergathering ability of the trees. We will also undertake a journey on the Sky Tram from where we can view the Nicoya gulf, Arenal volcano, the lake, the mountain range and the cloud forest. Day 4 Monteverde to San Jose. Today transfer to San Jose where we will meet our fellow passengers for an overnight stay at the Real Intercontinental Hotel (or similar). PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy Twin: 849 Single: 1099 Price includes: Overnight accommodation in San Jose, two nights accommodation in Monteverde, transfers, tours as described, English speaking guides, breakfast daily, lunch on days 2 to 4, dinner on days 2 and 3. Not Included: Travel insurance, gratuities.

5 SEA CLOUD II Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The 32,150 square feet of sails are set by hand which is a truly magical sight; she really is the most exquisite of vessels. Your Cabin/Suite Built to accommodate 96 passengers in five star luxury, Sea Cloud II offers a range of beautifully appointed suites and cabins which are furnished with great style. Spread over three decks are 29 deluxe outside cabins with showers, 16 junior suites with bathtubs, and two owner suites with bathtubs and showers. All accommodations have outside views and the bathrooms, in light marble, are unusually spacious and aesthetically pleasing. The two owner suites feature a king size canopy bed and all other cabins feature queen size beds Category C cabin (with separate mattresses, excluding category F staterooms which feature upper and lower single beds). Cabin sizes range from 16m 2 to 27m 2 (category F measure 12m 2 ). The finest, carefully chosen fabrics, combined with leather, rattan and other materials, brass and gold, precious woods and marble together create an impressive ensemble. All cabins have a television with DVD player, minibar, dressing table, wardrobe and a safe. A welcome bottle of champagne and a fruit basket which is replenished daily are provided to enjoy whilst in your cabin. Your Space No expense has been spared to create a sympathetic ambience in both the accommodation and public areas and this is reflected throughout the vessel. Public areas include an elegant lounge, library, fitness centre, boutique, lido bar and hospital. The single sitting dining room is airy and modern and the quality of the cuisine and service will be to the highest of standards, as one would expect on a Sea Cloud II cruise. The Lounge is located mid-ship on the Lido Deck offering comfortable seating areas. The vessel s magnificent Steinway is located here and will be played for your enjoyment by an accomplished pianist. Here you will enjoy interesting lectures and presentations, or perhaps enjoy a drink from the bar. There is also a library onboard where you can relax, write postcards, play a board game, find a film to watch in your cabin, send s from the laptop or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Relax on the Lido deck and experience the natural grandeur of travelling under sail whilst watching the sailors manoeuver the sails high above, rekindling memories of a bygone age. Your Dining The cuisine aboard Sea Cloud II is of an exceptionally high standard, and has been accepted by the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Enjoy international dishes complemented by local specialities selected fresh from the market by the onboard chef. Dinner

6 Lounge Owner s suite Lido deck Category B cabin On Deck is served à la carte and is a four course affair with a vegetarian option always available. All cruises aboard the Sea Cloud II are full board with carefully selected wines and beers served to complement your lunch and dinner. All soft drinks, coffee and tea whilst onboard are also included. DECK PLAN SUN DECK Life Onboard Whilst there are many large sailing ships offering passages around the world there are few if any that can compare in terms of luxury to Sea Cloud II. Despite the luxurious setting, casual clothing is appropriate and the atmosphere onboard is friendly and generally informal. Service is personal, and the crew of 65 quickly acquaint themselves with passengers and the officers on the bridge are also available to answer questions; manoeuvres permitting. After all, Sea Cloud II is not only a cruise ship, but a private yacht as well. For your Comfort, Safety & Security Sea Cloud II combines the timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. The hospital is located on the Cabin Deck and is staffed by a ship s doctor. In consideration of all passengers, smoking is not permitted onboard with the exception of designated areas on open decks. LIDO DECK PROMENADE DECK CABIN DECK CATEGORY A CATEGORY B BAR DINING ROOM SHOP GYM LOUNGE LIBRARY RECEPTION H CATEGORY C CATEGORY E CATEGORY D CATEGORY F Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Parrot, Bonaire _P